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GREEN BAY — The Packers defense is expected to get veteran safety Morgan Burnett back from his calf injury for Sunday night’s game in Denver, and his return is timed well.

Not only is the defense coming off a rough day statistically against the pass vs. San Diego, but now Broncos QB Peyton Manning brings an even savvier approach to the line of scrimmage the Packers must react to.

“Communication is the key. It’s one of the most important aspects of your gameday operation, if not the most important,” Head Coach Mike McCarthy said on Friday. “It’s something we put a lot of time in, we can always get better, and Morgan is one of the key players right in the middle of it. It’ll be great to get him back out there.”

Burnett has played only one game this season, but the defense has held up well in his absence.

“Very impressed,” McCarthy said. “Micah (Hyde) and those guys have really stepped up, and I think Ha Ha (Clinton-Dix) is playing his best football as a Green Bay Packer. I feel very good about our secondary to date.”

The unit might be down one member on Sunday night. Rookie CB Damarious Randall sat out practice on Thursday with an ankle injury, though McCarthy said he hoped Randall could practice on Saturday. The Packers are flying out earlier than normal to get a workout in the day before the game.

RB James Starks (hip) returned to practice on a limited basis Thursday and has a chance to play on Sunday.

“James looked good,” McCarthy said. “I’ll go right from here to the training room for a Friday meeting. So far, so good.